Gun debate reloaded: Leaders talk weapons control plans

A series of public shootings last year, capped off by the Newtown elementary school tragedy in December, reloaded the American gun law debate. The Star asked the county’s local, state and federal elected officials what they believe should be done, if anything, to address US gun control. Here’s what they said.

A series of public shootings last year, capped off by the Newtown elementary school tragedy in December, reloaded the American gun law debate.

President Obama is expected this month to announce the next step in a plan to tackle gun violence and has directed Vice President Joe Biden to meet with a variety of organizations, including the National Rifle Association, to produce recommendations on new gun laws.

Biden is expected to deliver gun law recommendations to the president Tuesday.

The Star asked the county’s local, state and federal elected officials what they believe should be done, if anything, to address US gun control. Here’s what they said.

"There's no clear answer. I don't think there's anyone out there not concerned about safety of children, but I don't believe gun control is the issue. And gun control really is an issue of control, not guns. I don't believe the 100 million or better individuals out there with firearms are all out killing people. I'm very concerned about the safety of our children, and I don't mind looking at avenues for better safety, but I'm not for jumping into actions because of what we've seen."

-- Ronnie Hawkins, Cleveland County commissioners chairman

“I think it’s necessary to focus on the root of the problem. For far too long we’ve ignored mental health issues and the increasing culture of violence permeating our youth. I’ll support efforts to address those issues while also supporting the second amendment rights of folks across western North Carolina.”

-- US Rep Patrick McHenry, who represents Cleveland County in the 10th US House District of North Carolina

As sheriff of Cleveland County, and as a parent of a child attending middle school, I am very concerned about the recent events that have taken place in our schools. As sheriff, I took an oath to uphold the laws that are on the books and I have no authority to change them. We have a serious mental health issue in America. I believe it has been well-documented that many individuals responsible for mass shootings have had mental health issues. I think most leaders of the various law enforcement agencies today would agree that law enforcement, district attorneys and many other parts of the criminal justice system are understaffed. There are many gun laws on the books that could and should be enforced if sufficient manpower was provided to enforce them."

-- Alan Norman, Cleveland County sheriff

“Horrendous acts like the one we saw in Newtown last month highlight the need to provide care and treatment for mentally ill individuals and continue to work to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. As a nation, we must embrace an approach that includes supporting our law enforcement, teachers and mental health professionals to prevent events like this from happening and keep our communities safe. As we work to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, we must be careful not to infringe on the rights of those who do follow the law and do exercise responsible gun ownership.”

Page 2 of 4 - -- US Sen. Richard Burr, who represents North Carolina

“We need a common-sense debate on a comprehensive approach that looks at access to guns, including laws that may have already been on the books, access to mental health care, and violent video games. In the coming months I will review any proposals with an open mind, ensuring that they will improve the safety of our communities without restricting the rights of responsible gun owners as guaranteed by the Second Amendment.”

-- US Sen. Kay Hagan, who represents North Carolina

“We are saddened and shocked by the recent events in Connecticut and by similar tragedies of the past. Now is not the time to politicize such a terrible event. As we watch the national debate unfold in Washington, it is my opinion that existing gun laws in our state are adequate. I do believe, however, that we should have a discussion about school safety and mental health as we move forward. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those affected by the violence of recent months.”

-- NC Rep. Tim Moore, who represents Cleveland County in NC House district 111

“As far as gun control is concerned, I think it is wise to enforce the state and federal laws we already have in place. I support tougher penalties for criminals who use weapons when they commit violent crimes. We also need to improve our mental health system. It is generally pretty difficult to be approved to legally buy firearms and obtain concealed carry permits.”

-- NC Rep. Kelly Hastings, who represents Cleveland and Gaston counties in NC House district 110

Readers respond

The Star asked its Facebook fans how US leaders should address gun control. Here’s a sample of the response. To join the conversation, find The Shelby Star on Facebook and click “like.”

“Gun control is not the issue. It’s the mental issues of the people that use the guns to harm others.”

Zack Simpson

“I like laws that make sense. And if someone can convince me of a law that could have, or can have, stopped the violence in the recent school shooting, I will gladly listen.”

Bryan Cooper

“I think we already have plenty of rules, regulations, and laws. I don’t think we need new ones, just enforce the ones we already have.”

Anna Scruggs

“We obviously need some restructuring in the existing laws. Saying we don’t need some kind of reformation because criminals will get guns anyway is pure stupidity. Blaming shootings on “crazy” people is discriminative and dismissive.”

Stevie Zissou

GUN CONTROL

WHAT MADE GUN CONTROL A HOT TOPIC ?: A series of public shootings in the past year that left a total of nearly 50 dead, including the deaths of 20 children and several adults in an elementary school shooting in Newtown, Conn., in December.

Page 3 of 4 - President Obama has pledged to make gun control a priority as he begins his second term, asking Vice President Biden to meet with gun, education and mental health groups on both sides of the issue to develop recommendations for how to address it.

WHO’S TAKING SIDES ?: There are both advocates of tighter weapons restrictions and proponents of gun rights who want to prevent tighter laws. Others argue mental health, not gun control, is the issue.

WHAT STANCE DOES THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION TAKE ?: The NRA has rejected stricter gun legislation and suggested the government put armed guards in every school as a way to curb violence.

WHAT’S COMING NEXT ?: Biden is expected to deliver gun control legislation recommendations to Obama on Tuesday.

WHAT COULD DELAY ACTION ?: Some Congressional leaders say national spending and debt are a bigger, more timely issue than gun control. “That’s going to dominate the Congress between now and the end of March,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.

Source: Associated Press

A TIMELINE OF AMERICAN GUN CONTROL

Some of the key points in American gun control:

1791 – States ratify the Second Amendment to protect the right to keep and bear arms.

1813 – Kentucky first state to ban carrying concealed weapons, but law defeated by appeals court in 1822

1837 – Georgia first state to ban handguns, a law later declared unconstitutional by the state supreme court

1871 – Union veterans found the National Rifle Association to promote rifle shooting as “scientific activity”

1994 – Brady Bill requires national system of background checks for gun purchases. The sale of semi-automatic weapons becomes illegal as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which would stay in effect for 10 years.

2008 – U.S. Supreme Court rules Americans have a right to own guns for self-defense and hunting.

Source: Associated Press

NC gun permits laws snapshot

* State law requires handgun purchasers get a permit from their local sheriff’s office.

* The permit must be presented to a gun shop before the purchase can be made.